Editor’s note: To maximize protection from the delta variant and prevent possibly spreading it to others, CDC recommends wearing a mask indoors in public if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission.
The goal for many people since the COVID-19 pandemic started was “getting back to normal.”
For people fully vaccinated against COVID-19, they can now safely take a step in that direction.
According to new guidelines released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, if you have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, you can resume activities you did before the pandemic.
What does this mean?
Fully vaccinated people don’t need to wear a mask or social distance, unless it’s required by federal, state or local rules and regulations. Workplace guidance and businesses can still require safety precautions.
For those unvaccinated, some activities remain safe, but for others you are recommended to continue masking and practicing social distancing.
If you have not yet received your vaccine, schedule an appointment.
That chart helps but what about being with unvaccinated kids with and without preexisting conditions?
Hello,
Thank you for reaching out. For children under 12 that are not vaccinated, they should follow the unvaccinated section of the graphic when in public. When in your home, it is safe for your family to be unmasked if you are following proper procedures out in public. Learn more here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/children/protect-children.html
Hope that helps,
Jake
What about visiting the dentist when the the hygienists who clean your teeth are NOT vaccinated. They wear the blue paper medical masks – nit the safest. I am vaccinated but understand that I can still contract a mild case of COVID and , even if mild, can still become a long- hauler.
Hi Paulette,
Per CDC guidelines, if you are vaccinated and the hygienist is masked, going to the dentist is a safe practice whether the hygienist is vaccinated or not. There were many dental offices cleaning teeth prior to the vaccine becoming available. If you would still like to have a hygienist that is vaccinated, we recommend you speak with your dental provider.
Thank you,
Jake
THANK YOU FOR THE GUIDELINE……………………..
Why is the shot called a vaccination? Is it not an experimental drug? There are treatments for the virus that are effective. Do not 99.5% recover from the virus? Thanks.
Hello Jim,
The technical definition of a vaccine is a substance used to stimulate the production of antibodies and provide immunity against one or several diseases, prepared from the causative agent of a disease, its products, or a synthetic substitute, treated to act as an antigen without inducing the disease. All three of the COVID-19 vaccines would fit within this definition. All three COVID-19 vaccine have completed phase 3 clinical trials and additionally, more than 200 million doses of the vaccines have been provided to Americans. In both cases, only rare side effects have been reported, compared to the many illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths due to infection. It is better to prevent infection than to become infected and/or infect others. The vaccine offers a safe way to prevent infection. MCHS providers strongly recommend the COVID-19 vaccines.
Hope that helps,
Jake